Pharmacological Management of Obesity in Patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age. A substantial proportion of patients with PCOS are either overweight or obese, and excess body weight aggravates the hormonal, reproductive and metabolic manifestations of PCOS. In recent years, several studies evaluated the role of various pharmacological agents in the management of obesity in this population. Most reports assessed glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and showed a substantial reduction in body weight. More limited data suggest that sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors and phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitors might also be effective in the management of obesity in these patients. In the present review, we discuss the current evidence on the safety and efficacy of these agents in overweight and obese patients with PCOS.

Automated summary

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder in women of reproductive age, and excess body weight worsens its symptoms. Recent studies have evaluated various pharmacological agents for managing obesity in PCOS patients, with glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists showing promising results in reducing body weight. Limited data suggest that sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors and phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitors may also be effective. This review discusses the current evidence on the safety and efficacy of these agents in overweight and obese patients with PCOS.